Last season, Rooney equalled his personal best by netting 34 times for United, and is banking on overcoming that tally with Kagawa's help.

United take on Barcelona in a friendly on Wednesday, with Rooney looking forward to linking up with Kagawa again after the pair spent just 15 minutes playing together in Sunday's 0-0 draw with Valerenga.

"Shinji's settled quite quickly. He's a talented player, he likes to get on the ball and keep it simple. He's very effective on the ball. It's great to have that sort of player in the team," The Daily Mirror quoted Rooney, as saying.

"I'm looking forward to playing with him and I think he'll create a lot of chances for myself and the other forwards. It's exciting to have him in the team," he added.

Kagawa, a 17-million pound buy from German champions Borussia Dortmund, looked impressive on the South African and Chinese legs of United's globetrotting pre-season programme.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson , who has also been praising Kagawa, sees the Japan international as the man to link his midfield and attack, when deployed in a free role just behind main striker Rooney. (ANI)